Charity’s regional chief prepares to pound pavement

Joseph Keith

It’s always a race against time when someone’s life is hanging in the balance.

But St John Ambulance regional boss Simon Dunn will be up against a different clock when he takes part in the Morrisons Great North Run at the weekend.

As the hands strike 10.40am on Sunday, Mr Dunn, who is based at the lifesaving charity’s regional office in Ossett near Wakefield, will set off on the gruelling 13-mile route alongside thousands of fellow runners.

The former British Army major is competing in the race for the sixth time to help raise money for St John Ambulance.

Dad-of-three Mr Dunn, 50, said the race was an opportunity to raise funds and thank the charity’s volunteers.

He said: “This is not about busting the clock for me but about taking part.

“I love to see the St John Ambulance volunteers along the route carrying out their different roles.

“It’s a chance for us to give each other a shout and for me to thank them, while raising money to help save people’s lives.

“The atmosphere is fantastic – the Great North Run is a 13-mile carnival.”

Mr Dunn is trained as a cycle responder and ambulance crew member and his wife Jenny is a paramedic.

His 15-year-old son, Samuel, also volunteers for the charity.

He works as the charity’s regional director for the North East and Yorkshire, trains three times a week and has taken part in five London Marathons.

The first Great North Run took place in 1981 and more than 12,000 competed in the race.

A total of 57,000 people took part in 2014 and past elite runners include Paula Radcliffe, Mo Farah and Haile Gebrselassie.

St John Ambulance volunteers have provided first aid cover at the events since the race was founded.